St Eunan's captain pays tribute to Elaine

St Eunan's captain Micheal Martin paid tribute to one of the club's most devoted supporters after their Donegal SFC triumph over Naomh Conaill last Sunday.

Elaine Watson Friel, who was just 31 years old, lost her battle with cancer 24 hours before the final in Ballybofey. The St Eunan's players made their way to her wake that night and yesterday formed a guard of honour at the gates of their home grounds in O'Donnell Park, from where Elaine made the journey to her final resting place in Conwall cemetery.

"It has been a very hard couple of days for us and for people around Letterkenny," said Martin after lifting the Dr Maguire Cup.

"It has also been sad within the St Eunan's club and the Termon club. The Winston family are steeped in St Eunan's and are very highly respected by everyone and Elaine was a St Eunan's fan and never missed a game and followed us all over."

He added: "She fought a very brave battle and she is in our thoughts today."

Elaine is survived by her mother Mary, father Joe Winston - who played on the first two Donegal teams to win the Ulster championship, in 1972 and 1974 - brothers Kevin and Darren, and husband Francie Friel. Francie's club side Termon would have their intermediate final against Aodh Ruadh of Ballyshannon postponed on Saturday afternoon as a mark of respect.